Peach tree named ‘NJ355’

ABSTRACT

A new and distinct peach variety of  Prunus persica  named ‘NJ355’ is provided. This variety is distinguished from other peach varieties by its unique combination of non-showy flowers, fruit that ripen in early-season with an attractive red and greyed-purple over color and orange-white ground color, clingstone fruit with a juicy, firm nonmelting texture and sweet, slightly acidic flavor, and excellent production of firm fruit that maintain their eating quality following cold storage.

Latin name of genus and species of the plant claimed: Prunus persica L.

Variety denomination: ‘NJ355’.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APLICATIONS

NONE

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

NONE

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a new and distinct variety of peach tree named ‘NJ355’. Our new tree resulted from open pollination of the seed parent, J19-19-862144. The new variety differs from seed parent J19-19-862144 (unpatented) in that fruit of the new variety ripen approximately 3 weeks earlier and the flesh of the fruit clings to the pit when it is fully ripe. In comparison to the commercial peach variety ‘Sugar May’ (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 8,034), the fruit of the new variety has a lighter red blush, is lower in acidity, and matures approximately 6 days later. The fruit and leaves of the new variety are also more tolerant to bacterial leaf spot than ‘Sugar May’. The resulting tree was selected when growing in a cultivated area as the 44^(th) tree in the 4^(th) row of Block H at a fruit research center in Cream Ridge, N.J.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The ‘NJ355’ variety is distinguished from other peach varieties due to the following unique combination of characteristics:

-   -   Round fruit with a low tendency to split for the season.     -   Attractive fruit with a red and greyed-purple over color and         orange-white ground color.     -   Excellent production of very firm fruit that ripen in         early-season.     -   Fruit with a good to very good eating quality.

The variety was asexually reproduced at the research center in Cream Ridge, N.J. Asexual reproduction of this new variety by budding onto ‘Lovell’ rootstock (unpatented) shows that the foregoing characteristics are so reproduced.

The following detailed description concerns the original tree, ‘NJ355’. The original tree and asexual progeny have been observed growing in a cultivated area at the research center in Cream Ridge, N.J. Certain characteristics of this variety, such as growth and color, may change with changing environmental conditions (such as, light, temperature, moisture, nutrient availability) or other factors. Color descriptions and other terminology are used in accordance with their ordinary dictionary descriptions, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Color designations are made with reference to The Royal Horticultural Society (R.H.S.) Colour Chart (1966 Edition).

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

This new variety is illustrated by the accompanying photographic drawings, depicting the peach tree by the best possible color representation using color photography. Colors are approximate as color depends on horticultural practices, such as light level, fertilization rate, and other conditions and, therefore, the color characteristics of this new variety should be determined with reference to the observations described herein, rather than from these illustrations alone.

FIG. 1 is a color photograph taken on Jul. 19, 2010 of a characteristic twig of ‘NJ355’ in late summer bearing typical leaves of the mature foliage.

FIG. 2 is a color photograph taken on Jul. 14, 2010 of characteristic mature fruit and stones of ‘NJ355’. Whole fruit are presented in three positions and a transverse cross section to show that the pericarp tends to adhere to the pit when the fruit is mature. The stones illustrate the ovoid shape and the pit grooves on the surface of the stone.

FIG. 3 is a color photograph of a characteristic twig that illustrates the typical flower buds and large, showy flowers of ‘NJ355’ observed on a tree that was six years of age on Apr. 21, 2004.

FIG. 4 is a color photograph of a tree of ‘NJ355’ in late winter, prior to pruning, that illustrates the spreading growth habit of a tree at the fruit research center in Cream Ridge, N.J. on Feb. 17, 2011.

FIG. 5 is a color photograph taken on Feb. 17, 2011 of immature bark of ‘NJ355’ that illustrates color and the comparatively low density of lenticels that tend to be clustered in small groups on the immature bark.

FIG. 6 is a color photograph taken on Feb. 17, 2011 of mature bark of ‘NJ355’ that illustrates the comparatively rough texture of the mature bark.

The colors and illustration of this type may vary with lighting and other conditions and, therefore, color characteristics of this new variety should be determined with reference to the observations described herein, rather than from these illustrations alone.

DETAILED BOTANICAL DESCRIPTION

The following detailed description of the ‘NJ355’ variety is based on observations of an asexually reproduced tree. The observed tree was six years of age and growing on ‘Lovell’ seedling rootstock (unpatented) at the fruit research center in Cream Ridge, N.J.

-   Scientific name: Prunus persica L. -   Parentage:     -   -   Seed parent.—J19-19-862144.         -   Pollen parent.—Unknown. -   Tree:     -   -   Vigor.—Moderate.         -   Plant hardiness zone.—Growth of plants has only been             observed in zone 6b.         -   Dormant flower bud cold tolerance.—At least to −20° C.         -   Overall shape.—Spreading.         -   Height.—Slightly above average as compared to other peach             cultivars. For example, measurement of a typical grafted             tree on ‘Lovell’ seedling rootstock (unpatented) at six             years after planting shows an average height of 3.4 meters             when grown in Cream Ridge, N.J.         -   Width.—Slightly above average as compared to other peach             cultivars. For example, measurement of a typical grafted             tree on ‘Lovell’ seedling rootstock (unpatented) at six             years after planting shows an average width of 5.2 meters             when grown in Cream Ridge, N.J.         -   Caliper.—Six year old tree is 43 cm in circumference             measured at 20 cm from the ground. -   Trunk and branches:     -   -   Trunk bark texture.—Rough as compared to other peaches of a             similar age.         -   Trunk bark color.—Greyed-white (between RHS 156A and RHS             156B).         -   Primary branches.—Branches that are approximately 18 cm in             circumference are greyed-orange (RHS 176B) in color,             overlaid with greyed-green (RHS 198D). Branch angles range             from 45 to 53 degrees, averaging about 49 degrees.             Lenticels: Low density, approximately 0.5 per square cm;             lanceolate in shape; typical examples of which measured 5 mm             in length and 1.2 mm in width; greyed-orange (RHS 174D) in             color and bordered with greyed-brown (RHS 199D). Branch             pubescence: None. New growth bark: Greyed-red (RHS 184A) in             sun; color greyed-yellow (RHS 152D) in shade.         -   Internodes.—Length averaging 21 mm on a one-year shoot. -   Leaves:     -   -   Texture.—Glabrous.         -   Sheen.—Young leaves semi-glossy with a flat finish on the             underside. Adaxial surface of mature leaves are generally             smooth, glabrous, slightly glossy. Abaxial surface of mature             leaves are nearly smooth, glabrous, with a matte finish.         -   Length.—About 154 mm to 193 mm, averaging about 175 mm             including the petiole.         -   Width.—About 34 mm to 48 mm, averaging about 40 mm.         -   Petiole.—Averaging 10.4 mm long and about 1.4 mm in             diameter.         -   Margin.—Finely serrate.         -   Margin undulation.—Slight.         -   Form.—Lanceolate.         -   Apex.—Acuminate, curved downward.         -   Base.—Cuneate.         -   Venation.—Pinnate.         -   Glands.—Number: About 3 to 6, averaging about 5.3. Position:             Located on the leaf margin and petiole. Size: Length             averaging 1.1 mm and width averaging 0.8 mm. Form: Reniform.         -   Stipules.—None observed on mature leaves.         -   Leaf color.—Upper leaf surface: Green (between RHS 137B and             RHS 137C). Lower leaf surface: Yellow-green (RHS 147B and             RHS 147C). Vein: Yellow-green (RHS 147C).         -   Pubescence.—None. -   Flowers:     -   -   Size.—Large size, typical flower measuring between 34 mm to             37 mm, averaging about 36 mm across.         -   Color.—Dormant bud: Greyed-green (RHS 196A) with flecks of             grey (RHS 201A). Pink stage bud: Red-purple (between RHS 63B             and RHS 63C). Open flower: Red-purple (RHS 62D to RHS 62A             near edge).         -   Petals.—Typically five petals per flower; cupped; margin             entire, averaging about 11.0 mm long and 7.5 mm wide.         -   Petal apex.—Obtuse.         -   Petal base.—Cuneate.         -   Stamens.—Number: Variable, typical range 30 and 40,             averaging 34.6. Length: Between 10.1 mm to 12.2 mm,             averaging 10.8 mm. Filament color: Green-white (RHS 157B).             Anther color: Red (RHS 46A).         -   Pistil.—Number: One. Size: Length between 14.5 and 17.0 mm,             averaging about 15.7 mm. Pistil color: Yellow-green (RHS             146B). Ovary: Pubescent and ellipsoid in shape.         -   Sepals.—Number: Five. Pubescence: Short and low density.             Color: Green (RHS 139D) with a greyed-red (RHS 182B) over             color. Shape: Triangular, with a rounded apex. Size: Length             averaging 6.1 mm, width averaging 4.1 mm.         -   Nectar cup color.—Greyed-orange (RHS 167B) on young flowers,             becoming greyed-yellow (RHS 162A) after anthesis.         -   Pollen.—Abundant; yellow-orange (RHS 11A) in color.         -   Fragrance.—Very slight.         -   Bloom season.—Onset of bloom in 2004 on April 19; full bloom             on April 22. -   Fruit:     -   -   Size.—Medium, averaging about 5.8 cm long, 6.2 cm wide             parallel to the suture and 6.4 cm wide perpendicular to the             suture.         -   Typical weight.—139 g.         -   Form.—Longitudinal section: Nearly round, slightly oblate.             Traverse section: Nearly round.         -   Suture.—Shallow, extending from the base to apex.         -   Ventral surface.—Nearly smooth.         -   Base.—Flat.         -   Apex.—Hooked, thick, and fleshy.         -   Stem.—Average length of 5.8 mm and an average diameter of             2.6 mm.         -   Skin.—Thickness: Average. Surface: Glabrous, typically             glossy. Tenacity: Average, decreasing as fruit becomes too             mature. Astringency: None. Tendency to crack: Low. Color:             Mottled red (RHS 46A) and greyed purple (RHS 183B) blush;             ground color orange-white (RHS 159C).         -   Fruit properties.—Flesh color: Greyed-white (RHS 158C)             becoming greyed-yellow (RHS 160D) near the stone. Flesh             adhesion: Clingstone. Juice: Moderate. Texture: Very firm,             not melting. Fibers: Not noticeable. Ripens: Between July 11             and July 31 at Cream Ridge, N.J. Flavor: Above average,             generally sweet and only slightly acidic. Soluble solids:             Between 12.4 and 15.6%, averaging about 14.0%. Aroma: Very             slight. Eating quality: Good to very good.         -   Keeping quality.—Excellent. Has held its flavor and firmness             for at least 21 days in cold storage at 1° C. to 4° C.         -   Shipping quality.—Excellent. Fruit are very firm at harvest.             No bruising or scaring disorders have been observed.         -   Usage.—Dessert.         -   Market.—Local and long distance.         -   Productivity.—Excellent. Trees have produced a crop in 10             out of 10 years and a full crop in nine out of ten years at             Cream Ridge, N.J. -   Stone:     -   -   Type.—Clingstone.         -   Form.—Ovoid.         -   Base.—Narrow.         -   Apex.—Medium.         -   Surface.—Pit grooves.         -   Ventral suture.—Medium.         -   Dorsal ridge.—Medium depth with deep lines.         -   External color.—Greyed-orange (between RHS 165C and RHS             165D).         -   Internal color when cracked.—Greyed-yellow (between RHS 161C             and RHS 161D).         -   Cavity surface color.—Greyed-orange (RHS 165D).         -   Average stone dry weight.—2.9 g.         -   Average stone wall thickness.—Varies between 3.4 mm along             the ventral suture and 6.3 mm at the base.         -   Size.—Averages about 26.7 mm long, 21.9 mm wide parallel to             the dorsal ridge, and 16.0 mm wide perpendicular to the             dorsal ridge.         -   Tendency to split.—Low for the ripening season.         -   Kernel.—Form: Highly variable; forms only rudimentary seed.             Skin color: Highly variable, greyed-orange (between RHS 165A             to RHS 165B). Vein color: Variable, greyed-orange (between             RHS 165A and RHS 165C). Viability: No. Size: Highly             variable; forms only rudimentary seed averaging about 0.1 g. -   Plant/fruit disease and pest resistance/susceptibility: No atypical     resistances/susceptibilities have been noted under normal cultural     practices. 

We claim:
 1. A new and distinct variety of peach tree, substantially as herein shown and described. 